Newcastle still battling to avoid the drop and their next challenge is the already relegated Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Villa is coming off an awful 11 game losing streak. Last week they lost against Watford, 3-2. Some expected to see better football after the relegation became a fact to the Villa side, but it’s not what’s happening. At least they’re scoring some goals lately and that can be a problem for Newcastle. Jordan Ayew pace is always dangerous and he’s finally playing alongside Gestede, who compliments him well. Micah Richards can be back starting for this match, but not sure if it means good things for Villa at this point.
The Newcastle side isn’t playing at some high level by any means, but at least Rafa Benitez found a nice XI who plays very organized and plays hard all the time, like if it was a world cup final. The only position who still up for grabs is LM. Wijnaldum started the last match there but was unimpressive again. With his poor form, especially away from home, I think Rafa can go back to Ayoze Perez starting this match, or finally give Jonjo Shelvey a new shot starting and playing Moussa Sissoko on the left. Daryl Janmaat can be back too, but i doubt Rafa plays him over Vurnon Anita at this point. Mitrovic over Cisse is another option, but i think Rafa will keep him as a option from the bench.
Probable lineups:
Aston Villa (5-3-2): Bunn; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Lescott, Cissokho; Gueye, Westwood, Grealish; Ayew, Gestede.
Newcastle Utd. (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Anita, Mbemba, Lascelles, Dummett; Tiote, Colback; Townsend, Sissoko, Perez (Shelvey); Cisse (Mitrovic).
Prediction: Newcastle win, 1-0.
